Sensor event assessor input/output controller

ABSTRACT

A sensor event assessor input/output controller is disclosed. In one embodiment, a multi-channel sensor input configuration provides two-way communication with a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors having its own channel. An electronic signal receiver receives electronic signals from one or more of the plurality of sensors at a pre-defined sample rate. A signal combiner bundles the electronic signals from one or more of the plurality of sensors into a single electronic signal. A single channel output is used to provide the single electronic signal to the sensor event assessor.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of and claims priority toand benefit of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/335,403,filed on Dec. 22, 2011, entitled “Sensor Event Assessor Input/OutputController,” by Cory J. Stephanson, having Attorney Docket No. BDS-016;U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/335,403 is hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

This application is related to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/335,335 filed on Dec. 22, 2011 entitled “Sensor Event Assessor,”by Cory J. Stephanson, having Attorney Docket No. BDS-015.

This application is related to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser.No. 13/335,434 filed on Dec. 22, 2011 entitled “Sensor Event AssessorTraining and Integration,” by Cory J. Stephanson, having Attorney DocketNo. BDS-017.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The field of the present invention relates to assessing a sensordetected event.

BACKGROUND

Presently, sensors are utilized for various tasks. Normally, trainingpersonnel in the proper methodology of using, calibrating and deployingsensor systems is a significant investment in time, training and cost.Moreover, if the sensors are miss-calibrated or improperly orincorrectly utilized, detection capabilities can become significantlyreduced.

SUMMARY

A sensor event assessor input/output controller is disclosed. In oneembodiment, a multi-channel sensor input configuration provides two-waycommunication with a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality ofsensors having its own channel. An electronic signal receiver receiveselectronic signals from one or more of the plurality of sensors at apre-defined sample rate. A signal combiner bundles the electronicsignals from one or more of the plurality of sensors into a singleelectronic signal. A single channel output is used to provide the singleelectronic signal to the sensor event assessor.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a sensor event assessorsystem shown in accordance with one embodiment of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a sensor shown in accordance with oneembodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a sensor event assessor shown in accordancewith one embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a computer-implemented method for assessing adetected event shown in accordance with one embodiment of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an exemplary computer system in accordancewith one embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a computer-implemented method for utilizing aninput/output controller in conjunction with assessing a detected eventshown in accordance with one embodiment of the present technology.

The drawings referred to in this description should be understood as notbeing drawn to scale except if specifically noted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the presenttechnology, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. While the technology will be described in conjunction withvarious embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended tolimit the present technology to these embodiments. On the contrary, thepresented technology is intended to cover alternatives, modificationsand equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope thevarious embodiments as defined by the appended claims.

Furthermore, in the following detailed description, numerous specificdetails are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding ofthe present technology. However, the present technology may be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well known methods,procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detailas not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present embodiments.

Overview

One embodiment described herein provides an architecture that accuratelydetermines inference and assessment information based on input providedby at least two sensors. One embodiment utilizes previously trained datawhen evaluating the sensors input to provide the inference andassessment information

In one embodiment, the inference and assessment information can includeevent size information as well as geo-location information includingposition, velocity, height and the like. In so doing, intelligent eventdetermination can be performed. In addition, the assessment informationis provided in a user accessible format. In one embodiment, theinformation may be overlaid on real-time video for positiveidentification of the event. Thus, embodiments described herein can beutilized in a variety of static or dynamic environments including, butnot limited to, high sensitivity areas, perimeters, entry control pointsand the like.

Additionally, in one embodiment the system may be trained to detect orreject/ignore specific items of interest. Moreover, the sensors andevent assessor system self-calibrate after being introduced into anenvironment of operation. The post-introduction self-calibration processallows deployment in different environments with minimal testing,support or set-up time.

For example, the sensor event assessor system described herein iscapable of combining the input from two or more magnetic sensors todetect and provide the location of ferro-magnetic materials (guns,knives, shrapnel) whether on a specific individual or location, or onmultiple individuals and locations.

In one embodiment the sensor event assessor system is portable, allowingeasy setup for temporary detection and assessment. In anotherembodiment, the sensor event assessor system can be permanentlyinstalled for long term detection and assessment. In one embodiment, thesensor event assessor system described herein can be used in a multitudeof entry controlled environments including, but not limited to singleentry doorways, guarded checkpoints, airports, sports stadiums, evenopen-air public spaces.

In another embodiment, the sensor event assessor system can be used inintelligent perimeter solutions such as, but not limited to fence lines,borders, restricted areas, protection level areas and the like.

Monitored Environment

With reference to FIG. 1, a block diagram 100 of one embodiment of asensor event assessor system is shown. In one embodiment, FIG. 1includes an environment 105, at least two sensors 110 which provideoutput signals 115A and 115B over the connection 120 which is receivedby input/output (I/O) controller 145 which receives the multi-channeloutput signals 115A and 115B and combines them into a single channel 115that is passed to sensor event assessor 150. Although two output signals115A and 115B are shown, the technology is not limited to only twosensors.

In general, environment 105 may be natural or built and is usuallydescribed utilizing a combination of atmosphere, climate and weatherconditions. Example, environments may include, but are not limited to,desert, tundra, canopy, jungle, riverine, aquatic, littoral, savannah,marine, urban or the like.

In one embodiment, environment 105 is a localized area or portion of anenvironment, similar to an ecosystem. For example, in one embodiment thearea represented by environment 105 may approximate the range ofoperation of sensors 110.

In one embodiment, environment 105 may be an outdoor area. However, inanother embodiment, environment 105 may be an indoor area such as aroom, a structure or the like. In yet another embodiment, environment105 may be a combination of indoor and outdoor areas such as an outpost,or the like. Additionally, part or all of environment 105 may be dry,partially or completely submerged, partially or completely buried, andthe like.

Usually, environment 105 will have certain specific characteristicswhich will need to be addressed during the calibration of sensors 110.For example, if sensor 110 is a chemical sniffer, depending upon thelocation, known or naturally occurring levels of chemicals maypre-exist. Similarly, if sensor 110 is a magnetic sensor, visual sensor,thermal sensor, millimeter wave sensor, ultrasound sensor, seismicsensor or the like, environmental differences would need to beaddressed. In one embodiment, the environmental differences arediscussed and dealt with in more detail in the description of FIG. 2.

However, the characteristics of a specific environment 105 may alsochange over time, such as due to changes in temperature, humidity,weather conditions and the like. For example, electric currents inducedin the ionosphere near where the atmosphere is closest to the Sun havebeen known to cause daily alterations in an environments magnetic field.

Additionally, there may be other events that change the characteristicsof an environment 105. Events that are not related to natural changes.These events may include an introduction or removal of metal including,but not limited to, a vehicle, a gun, knife, key, pen, or the likeentering into or departing from environment 105.

Generally, natural changes in environment 105 occur over a relativelylonger period of time than event induced changes. For example, a changein environment 105 due to temperature fluctuations will normally occurover a period of a few hours. In contrast, a person walking with a knifethrough environment 105 may cause the same level of change, but thechange will occur over a period of seconds or minutes instead of hours.

In one embodiment, when sensors 110 identify a change in environment 105due to an event, output signal 115 is generated. In one embodiment,sensors 110 utilizes a relative change methodology instead of explicitfield strength values when monitor environment 105.

The output signals 115A and 115B are passed via connection 120. Ingeneral connection 120 may be a wired connection or a wirelessconnection. In one embodiment, connection 120 may be a connection suchas, but not limited to, AM, FM, PCM, GPS, RS232, RS485, USB, firewire,infrared and fiber optic communication technologies.

Output signals 115A and 115B are received by I/O controller 145 whichreceives the multi-channel output signals 115A and 115B and combinesthem into a single channel 115 that is passed to sensor event assessor150. The actions of the I/O controller 145 are described in more detailin FIGS. 3 and 6.

Once sensor event assessor 150 receives the output signal 115 it may befiltered, evaluated, assessed and the like as described in more detailin FIGS. 3 and 4.

Environment Sensors

With reference now to FIG. 2, a block diagram 200 of one of the at leasttwo sensors 110 is shown in accordance with one embodiment. In oneembodiment, sensor 110 includes magnetic field sensor 220, calibrationmodule 240, and instant comparator 210. In one embodiment, magneticfield monitor 260 also includes an optional block comparator 230 andaccelerometer 225. Magnetic field sensor 220 may be a flux gatemagnetometer sensor, a super conducting quantitative interferencedetector (SQUID), a magneto resistive sensor, spin electron relaxationframe (SERF) sensor or the like.

Although a magnetic field sensor 220 is utilized in the followingdiscussion, other sensor types, such as, a visual sensor, a thermalsensor, a millimeter wave sensor, an ultrasound sensor, a seismic sensorand the like may be similarly utilized. The use of a magnetic fieldsensor 220 herein is provided merely for purposes of clarity. Moreover,the technology is well suited to utilizing a plurality of the same typeof sensors 110 or a combination of different types of sensors 110. Byusing two or more of the same type of sensors 110 additional positionalaccuracy and range can be obtained. By using a combination of differentsensors 110 the types of assessment being performed can be expanded uponor further refined.

In one embodiment, magnetic field sensor 220 may comprise a strip ofmetal, thin film or the like that is sensitive to magnetic fields. Whenvoltage is applied, magnetic field sensor 220 will provide an analogsignal 130 such as a voltage, representative of the magnetic field ofenvironment 105. For example, a change in the magnetic field ofenvironment 105 will cause a change in the voltage of signal 130. In oneembodiment, signal 130 is a relative value for a magnetic field and notan explicit magnetic field strength value.

Magnetic field sensor 220 samples environment 105 periodically at apre-defined rate of time and generates a corresponding signal 130 foreach sampling period. For example, magnetic field sensor 220 may use a 1MHz crystal to establish a nanosecond sample rate. Magnetic field sensor220 outputs signal 130 to instant comparator 210, calibration module 240and optional block comparator 230.

Calibration module 240 receives signal 130 from magnetic field sensor220 and generates a relative baseline signal 280. For example, aftercalibration module 240 receives an initial time periods worth of signals130, calibration module 240 will average the signals 130 and generate arelative baseline signal 280. In other words, relative baseline signal280 is similar to a calibration, recalibration, zero or baseline for theparticular environment 105 being monitored. In one embodiment, relativebaseline signal 280 is a relative value and not an explicit magneticfield strength value.

In one embodiment, calibration module 240 will generate a new relativebaseline signal 280 at a consistent interval. For example, a newrelative baseline signal 280 may be generated every few minutes, fewseconds, few hours or the like. By adjusting the time of generation forrelative baseline signal 280, both sensitivity and range of magneticfield monitor 260 may be adjusted. In one embodiment, calibration module240 may also include a manual option to allow a user to generate a newrelative baseline signal 280.

Calibration module 240 provides relative baseline signal 280 to instantcomparator 210 and optional block comparator 230.

Referring still to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, instant comparator 210performs a comparison between signal 130 and relative baseline signal280 to recognize a change in environment 105. When the resultantdifference between the magnetic field of environment 105 and relativebaseline signal 280 is greater than or equal to a pre-defined differencethreshold, instant comparator 210 provides an output signal 115.

In one embodiment, instant comparator 210 does not utilize an actualmagnet field strength value as the threshold value but instead utilizesa threshold value related to the difference between signal 130 andrelative baseline signal 280. Thus, in one embodiment, neither signal130 nor relative baseline signal 280 need include a specific orquantified value for magnetic field 110 as long as magnetic field sensor220 provides a consistent representation of magnetic field 110 in signal130. However, in another embodiment, signal 130 and/or relative baselinesignal 280 may include a specified value related to magnetic field 110.

For example, the threshold value is based on the absolute value of thedifference between signal 130 and relative baseline signal 280. Byutilizing the absolute value of the difference, instant comparator 210is well suited to recognizing changes in magnetic field 110 thatincrease the field strength as well as changes in magnetic field 110that reduce the field strength.

Optional block comparator 230 operates in a manner similar to instantcomparator 210, but may be calibrated to recognize changes in magneticfield 110 over a greater time period than instant comparator 210. Whenthe change over time for relative baseline signal 280 is greater than orequal to a pre-defined threshold, block comparator 230 provides anoutput signal 115.

In another embodiment, block comparator 230 may monitor a plurality ofrelative baseline signals 280 over time to detect changes in magneticfield 110 over time. In yet another embodiment, block comparator 230does not utilize a difference between the pluralities of relativebaseline signals 280 as the threshold. Instead, block comparator 230utilizes a threshold value related to the area under the curve definedby the plurality of relative baseline signals 280. However, thefunctions described herein as being performed by optional blockcomparator 230 may be performed by either or both of instant comparator210 and calibration module 240. However, for purposes of clarity,optional block comparator 230 is described herein as separate frominstant comparator 210 and calibration module 240.

Optional accelerometer 225 is utilized to provide motion and orientationinformation to sensors 110. For example, if one or more of the sensors110 were hanging from a tree, rolled across the ground, bumped, rotated,moved or the like, accelerometer 225 would provide orientation andmotion information that would allow sensors 110 to maintain itscalibration.

In another embodiment, if sensors 110 are rotating, accelerometer 225will provide calibration module 240 with real time information about theorientation of magnetic field sensor 220. This information allowscalibration module 240 to generate and maintain a plurality of distinctbaseline signals 280 directly related to the orientation of magneticfield sensor 220 at the time signal 130 was generated (or received).Thus, calibration module 240 is able to provide both instant comparator210 and block comparator 230 with the appropriate relative baselinesignal 280 for each signal 130 received from magnetic field sensor 220.Thus, in one embodiment, any changes in orientation of magnetic fieldsensor 220 would be resolved at calibration module 240 prior to theoperations of either instant comparator 210 or block comparator 230.

In one embodiment, accelerometer 225 is a component found outside ofsensors 110. However, in another embodiment, such as shown in FIG. 2,accelerometer 225 may be located within sensors 110.

In one embodiment, sensors 110 wired or wirelessly transmits outputsignal 115 to sensor event assessor 150 by implementing a communicationtechnology selected from a group of communication technologies, such as,but not limited to AM, FM, PCM, GPS, RS232, RS485, USB, firewire,infrared and fiber optic communication technologies. For example, if ananalog output signal 115 is generated, the signal could be transmittedusing AM or FM communication technologies in which the output signal ismodulated with a carrier signal, and then electromagneticallycommunicated to sensor event assessor 150.

Sensors 110 and sensor event assessor 150 are capable of operation inboth an attended state and an unattended state. For example, sensors 110and sensor event assessor 150 are well suited to be placed in anenvironment that is constantly supervised, such as a checkpoint,chokepoint, or the like. In another embodiment, sensors 110 are able tobe “dropped” into an area to act as a standalone environment monitor.For example, sensors 110 may be placed in a location such as a closedhallway, off-limits area, front yard, driveway, room exit, buildingexit, parking garage, perimeter, and the like. In one embodiment, duringoperation in an unmanned operating environment, output signal 115 fromsensors 110 may be communicated to a remote site containing sensor eventassessor 150.

As stated herein, sensors 110 and sensor event assessor 150 may beemployed in desert, jungle, riverine, littoral and/or coastal regions.Furthermore, due to the self-calibrating characteristics, sensors 110are also capable of operating under a wide range of physical conditionssuch as, high humidity, low humidity, extreme temperature ranges, dusty,dirty, sandy and muddy conditions, partially or completely submerged,partially or completely buried, and the like. For example, sensors 110are capable of operating in environments with one or more significantphysical conditions such as, but not limited to, tropical or arcticenvironments.

Additionally, sensors 110 are capable of operation in constantlychanging environment such as a desert environment that may have daily orweekly environmental changes (e.g., temperatures that range from at orbelow freezing at night to 40 degrees Celsius midday). In anotherembodiment, sensors 110 are also well suited for operation in acontrolled environment having little or no harsh physical conditions,such as an airport terminal, building, parking lot and the like.

In one embodiment, sensors 110 and sensor event assessor 150 are poweredby means of an electrical power source. This electrical power source maycomprise an internal power source, such as a system battery, or anexternal power source, such as a transmission line that deliversalternating current and that may be accessed through an electrical wallsocket. Further, the sensors described herein may be small and portable,e.g., reduced power requirements possibly having a shorter range; largervehicle deployed, e.g., increased power requirements, thereby increasingthe range; or may be hard mounted, such as on or in a building or otherstructure. In one embodiment, sensors 110 and/or sensor event assessor150 may be selectively powered up and selectively powered-down to extendbattery life.

Sensors 110 may also be expanded to include data storage for variouspurposes. For instance, in an embodiment, signal 130, relative baselinesignal 280 and/or information generated by instant comparator 210 andblock comparator 230 is stored in a storage unit such that the data maybe subsequently retrieved and further processed. For example, a harddisk drive (HDD) or random access memory (RAM) is used to electronicallystore the data by means of arrays of electronic capacitors that areconfigured to acquire an electronic charge, wherein the charging of thecapacitor arrays corresponds to a digital representation of the acquireddata. However, it is understood that the aforementioned examples aremerely exemplary of different storage units that may be implementedpursuant to various embodiments of the present technology. Othersuitable storage units may also be utilized to store data such that itmay be later accessed and processed. For instance, a portable flashdrive may be used to store data, and the flash drive could be physicallytransported from a first computing system to a second computing system,wherein both computing systems are capable of accessing data stored onthe drive.

Additional details of an embodiment of sensor calibration that may beutilized in accordance with embodiments of the present invention isdescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/431,418, entitled“Self-Calibrating Magnetic Field Monitor,” by Cory Stephanson et al.,assigned to the assignee of the present patent application andincorporated as reference herein in its entirety.

Assessing a Detected Event

With reference now to FIG. 3, a block diagram of an I/O controller 145and a sensor event assessor 150 is shown in accordance with oneembodiment. Although in one embodiment I/O controller 145 is shown asdistinct from sensor event assessor 150, in another embodiment, I/Ocontroller 145 is located within a sensor event assessor 150.

In one embodiment, I/O controller 145 includes a multi-channel sensorinput 360, an electronic signal receiver 365, a signal combiner 368 anda single channel output 370.

In one embodiment, multi-channel sensor input 360 provides two-waycommunication with the plurality of sensors 110, each of the pluralityof sensors 110 having its own channel, such as 115A and 115B. Electronicsignal receiver 365 receives electronic signals from one or more of theplurality of sensors 110 at a pre-defined sample rate. Signal combiner368 bundles the electronic signals from one or more of the plurality ofsensors 110 into a single electronic signal 115. Single channel output370 provides the single electronic signal 115 to sensor event assessor150.

For example, I/O controller 145 receives the multi-channel outputsignals 115A and 115B and combines them into a single channel 115 thatis passed to sensor event assessor 150. Moreover, I/O controller 145 canalso communicate with each of the sensors 110. For example, I/Ocontroller 145 is capable of adjusting the sample rate of one or more ofthe sensors 110. In addition, I/O controller 145 can adjust the powerconsumption of one or more sensors 110. I/O controller may additionallymonitor, organize, cascade, utilize and otherwise interact with each ofsensors 110.

In one embodiment, I/O controller 145 may also automatically adjust thebaseline settings of one or more of the sensors 110 in the network basedon one or more other sensors 110. For example, if a rogue sensor isproviding an output signal that is outside of the normal (with respectto other sensors 110 in the network), I/O controller 145 may provide acalibration update to the rogue sensor to the appropriate baseline. Inso doing, a network wide baseline or calibration can be automaticallyachieved.

In one embodiment, sensor event assessor 150 receives output signal 115from I/O controller 145 and provides assessment information 345 in auser accessible format.

In one embodiment, sensor event assessor 150 includes an event detectionreceiver 310, a filter module 320, an evaluation module 330 and a userrecognizable output generator 340. Event detection receiver 310 receivesan electronic output signal 115 related to an event detected by sensors110 as described in detail in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Filter module 320 compares the electronic output signal 115 with apredetermined event detection threshold. In other words, the electronicoutput signal 115 is passed through filter module 320 if the electronicoutput signal 115 is greater than or equal to the predetermined eventdetection threshold.

In one embodiment, evaluation module 330 receives the electronic signalfrom filter module 320 and provides assessment information about theevent. In one embodiment, the assessment information is based onpreviously trained information stored in a database 335. Userrecognizable output generator 340 provides the assessment information345 about the event in a user recognizable format.

With reference now to FIG. 4, a flowchart 400 of a computer-implementedmethod for assessing a detected event is shown in accordance with oneembodiment.

At 402 of FIG. 4, one embodiment receives an electronic output signal115 from sensors 110 which represents an event in environment 105detected by sensors 110. As stated herein, sensors 110 may be magnetic,seismic, acoustic, ultrasound, millimeter wave, thermal, chemicalsniffers, micron wave, Radar/GPR, or the like. Moreover, sensors 110 maybe passive or active or may be user selectable.

In one embodiment, by utilizing two or more sensors 110, sensor eventassessor 150 would be able to determine additional information relatingto an event, information such as speed, direction, velocity, etc.Moreover, one or more of the magnetic field sensors 110 may be set fordifferent range and or sensitivity detection characteristics. In sodoing, sensor event assessor 150 would be able to provide both longdistance monitoring and shorter range, but more sensitive, eventmonitoring.

In another embodiment, two or more sensors 110 may be utilized in anetworked configuration. The networked configuration may include sensors110 monitoring overlapping areas of environment 105, monitoring adjacentenvironments 105, offset environments 105, or a combination thereof.

For example, a first sensor 110 may be placed in a first location and asecond sensor 110 may be placed in a second location. In one embodiment,the first and the second sensors 110 may be monitoring overlappingenvironments 105. By comparing the electronic signals from two or moresensors 110, allows output signal 115 to include orientation informationsuch as distance, speed, bearing, etc. of an event. For example, aperson carrying a rifle through environment 105 would cause a changerecognizable by two or more magnetic field sensors 220. By comparing theinformation from each of the sensors 110, a location, direction, speedof travel, or the like for the person carrying the rifle may beprovided. Moreover, by networking a plurality of sensors 110, a muchlarger area may be monitored. For example, the magnetic field monitors260 may be laid out in a web type pattern, over a large distance withoverlapping fields, over a large distance without overlapping fields, ina corridor monitoring fashion, and the like.

With reference now to 404 of FIG. 4 and to FIGS. 1 and 3, one embodimentfilters the electronic signal based on a predetermined event detectionthreshold. For example, sensors 110 may detect an amount of metal, atype of metal and the like and generate output signal 115. Filter module320 receives output signal 115 and compares the amount of metal, metaltype or other associated information to determine if output signal 115is larger than a threshold level. In the following example, the eventdetection threshold is calibrated to approximately an output signal 115that would be generated by an amount of metal contained in a fixed bladeknife. Thus, if output signal 115 was generated for a set of car keys orsome change in a pocket, the event detection threshold would not be metand output signal 115 would be filtered out of sensor event assessor150. However, if output signal 115 was generated for a semi-automaticpistol, the event detection threshold would be surpassed and filtermodule 320 would provide output signal 115 to evaluation module 330.

In another embodiment, filter module 320 filters the electronic outputsignal 115 based on a predetermined location. For example, theelectronic output signal 115 may be filtered out if the event is locatedoutside an area of interest. For example, if sensors 110 are monitoringa perimeter such as a building, fence, or unmarked area, an event thatoccurs within the perimeter may be filtered out while an event thatoccurs outside the perimeter would pass through filter module 320 and beprovided to evaluation module 330. In another embodiment, evaluationmodule 330 may be utilized to determine the location of the event withrespect to the area of interest and whether or not the event should bereported.

Referring now to 406 of FIG. 4, one embodiment evaluates the filteredelectronic signal to provide assessment information about the event. Inone embodiment, the assessment information is based on previouslytrained information stored in a database 335.

With reference now to 408 of FIG. 4, one embodiment generates a userrecognizable output of the assessment information 345 about the event.

In one embodiment, the assessment information 345 may be an audiblemechanical and/or visual alarm configured to be heard by a human being.In another embodiment, the assessment will include acquiring an image ofan approximate location of the event detected by sensors 110 atapproximately the time the event was detected. The assessmentinformation may then be provided in conjunction with still image orapproximately real-time video at a user interface. In anotherembodiment, assessment information 345 may be sent via a communicationnetwork such as connection 120 to automatically notify designatedpersonnel when an event is detected.

For example, in one embodiment, assessment information 345 may bewirelessly transmitted to a remote receiver by a communicationtechnology selected from a group consisting of AM, FM, PCM, GPS, RS232,RS485, USB, firewire, infrared and fiber optic communicationtechnologies.

In yet another embodiment, assessment information 345 may be received byanother device that will carry out a follow-on task. For example,assessment information 345 could provide a turn-on signal for one ormore lights, such a light located in the vicinity of the detected event.Additionally, assessment information 345 could include a signal togenerate a notification of the detected event to a remote location. Inone embodiment, assessment information 345 may initiate an automaticaction to incapacitate an identified threat. For example, as in abuilding having doors and windows that may be electronically lockedassessment information 345 may include a command to automatically lockone or more of the building's doors and windows.

Moreover, assessment information 345 may include directional informationabout the event. In one embodiment, direction may include distance,bearing, velocity, relative velocity, and the like. Similarly, ifsensors 110 were remote, assessment information 345 may include amessage having one or more attributes associated with the event, such asthe location of the event, when the event was detected, contactinformation for certain persons of interest or directions for therecipient of the message.

Assessment information 345 may also incorporate an imaging and/or audiotrigger. For example, in response to received assessment information345, an imaging device may begin to capture images and/or video of themonitored environment 105. Similarly, in response to received assessmentinformation 345, an audio device may begin to capture audio of themonitored environment 105. In one embodiment, assessment information 345could incorporate any or all of the above.

Example Computing System

With reference now to FIG. 5, portions of the technology for providing acommunication composed of computer-readable and computer-executableinstructions that reside, for example, in non-transitory computer-usablestorage media of a computer system. That is, FIG. 5 illustrates oneexample of a type of computer that can be used to implement embodimentsof the present technology. FIG. 5 represents a system or components thatmay be used in conjunction with aspects of the present technology. Inone embodiment, some or all of the components of FIG. 1 or FIG. 3 may becombined with some or all of the components of FIG. 5 to practice thepresent technology.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example computer system 500 used in accordancewith embodiments of the present technology. It is appreciated thatsystem 500 of FIG. 5 is an example only and that the present technologycan operate on or within a number of different computer systemsincluding general purpose networked computer systems, embedded computersystems, routers, switches, server devices, user devices, variousintermediate devices/artifacts, stand-alone computer systems, mobilephones, personal data assistants, televisions and the like. As shown inFIG. 5, computer system 500 of FIG. 5 is well adapted to havingperipheral computer readable media 502 such as, for example, a floppydisk, a compact disc, and the like coupled thereto.

System 500 of FIG. 5 includes an address/data bus 504 for communicatinginformation, and a processor 506A coupled to bus 504 for processinginformation and instructions. As depicted in FIG. 5, system 500 is alsowell suited to a multi-processor environment in which a plurality ofprocessors 506A, 506B, and 506C are present. Conversely, system 500 isalso well suited to having a single processor such as, for example,processor 506A. Processors 506A, 506B, and 506C may be any of varioustypes of microprocessors. System 500 also includes data storage featuressuch as a computer usable volatile memory 508, e.g. random access memory(RAM), coupled to bus 504 for storing information and instructions forprocessors 506A, 506B, and 506C.

System 500 also includes computer usable non-volatile memory 510, e.g.read only memory (ROM), coupled to bus 504 for storing staticinformation and instructions for processors 506A, 506B, and 506C. Alsopresent in system 500 is a data storage unit 512 (e.g., a magnetic oroptical disk and disk drive) coupled to bus 504 for storing informationand instructions. System 500 also includes an optional alpha-numericinput device 514 including alphanumeric and function keys coupled to bus504 for communicating information and command selections to processor506A or processors 506A, 506B, and 506C. System 500 also includes anoptional cursor control device 516 coupled to bus 504 for communicatinguser input information and command selections to processor 506A orprocessors 506A, 506B, and 506C. System 500 of the present embodimentalso includes an optional display device 518 coupled to bus 504 fordisplaying information.

Referring still to FIG. 5, optional display device 518 of FIG. 5 may bea liquid crystal device, cathode ray tube, plasma display device orother display device suitable for creating graphic images andalpha-numeric characters recognizable to a user. Optional cursor controldevice 516 allows the computer user to dynamically signal the movementof a visible symbol (cursor) on a display screen of display device 518.Many implementations of cursor control device 516 are known in the artincluding a trackball, mouse, touch pad, joystick or special keys onalpha-numeric input device 514 capable of signaling movement of a givendirection or manner of displacement. Alternatively, it will beappreciated that a cursor can be directed and/or activated via inputfrom alpha-numeric input device 514 using special keys and key sequencecommands.

System 500 is also well suited to having a cursor directed by othermeans such as, for example, voice commands. System 500 also includes anI/O device 520 for coupling system 500 with external entities. Forexample, in one embodiment, I/O device 520 is a modem for enabling wiredor wireless communications between system 500 and an external networksuch as, but not limited to, the Internet. A more detailed discussion ofthe present technology is found below.

Referring still to FIG. 5, various other components are depicted forsystem 500. Specifically, when present, an operating system 522,applications 524, modules 526, and data 528 are shown as typicallyresiding in one or some combination of computer usable volatile memory508, e.g. random access memory (RAM), and data storage unit 512.However, it is appreciated that in some embodiments, operating system522 may be stored in other locations such as on a network or on a flashdrive; and that further, operating system 522 may be accessed from aremote location via, for example, a coupling to the internet. In oneembodiment, the present technology, for example, is stored as anapplication 524 or module 526 in memory locations within RAM 508 andmemory areas within data storage unit 512. The present technology may beapplied to one or more elements of described system 500. For example, amethod of modifying user interface 225A of device 115A may be applied tooperating system 522, applications 524, modules 526, and/or data 528.

System 500 also includes one or more signal generating and receivingdevice(s) 530 coupled with bus 504 for enabling system 500 to interfacewith other electronic devices and computer systems. Signal generatingand receiving device(s) 530 of the present embodiment may include wiredserial adaptors, modems, and network adaptors, wireless modems, andwireless network adaptors, and other such communication technology. Thesignal generating and receiving device(s) 530 may work in conjunctionwith one or more communication interface(s) 532 for coupling informationto and/or from system 500. Communication interface 532 may include aserial port, parallel port, Universal Serial Bus (USB), Ethernet port,antenna, or other input/output interface. Communication interface 532may physically, electrically, optically, or wirelessly (e.g. via radiofrequency) couple system 500 with another device, such as a cellulartelephone, radio, or computer system.

The computing system 500 is only one example of a suitable computingenvironment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to thescope of use or functionality of the present technology. Neither shouldthe computing environment 500 be interpreted as having any dependency orrequirement relating to any one or combination of components illustratedin the example computing system 500.

The present technology may be described in the general context ofcomputer-executable instructions, such as program modules, beingexecuted by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines,programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that performparticular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Thepresent technology may also be practiced in distributed computingenvironments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices thatare linked through a communications network. In a distributed computingenvironment, program modules may be located in both local and remotecomputer-storage media including memory-storage devices.

I/O Controller

FIG. 6 is a flowchart 600 of a computer-implemented method for utilizingan input/output controller in conjunction with assessing a detectedevent as shown in accordance with one embodiment of the presenttechnology.

With reference now to 602 of FIG. 6 and to FIG. 1, one embodimentprovides a multi-channel sensor input configuration to provide two-waycommunication with a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality ofsensors having its own channel. In one embodiment, the two-waycommunication is utilized by the I/O controller 145 to provide a commandand control center for the plurality of sensors 110.

For example, I/O controller 145 can communicate with the sensors 110 todetermine the power configuration for each of the sensors 110. The powerconfiguration may include ac power, dc power, battery power, powerremaining, power issues and the like. In so doing, I/O controller 145can automatically develop a sensor power adjustment strategy based onthe power configuration and can then communicate a sensor poweradjustment to one or more of the plurality of sensors based on thesensor power adjustment strategy.

In addition, I/O controller 145 can periodically query each of theplurality of sensors 110 to confirm and or update power configurations.I/O controller 145 can then utilize the information to automaticallyupdate the sensor power adjustment strategy based on any sensor powerchanges.

In another embodiment, I/O controller 145 can communicate with thesensors 110 to determine the sensor type for each of the sensors 110.For example, the sensor type may be magnetic, seismic, acoustic,ultrasound, millimeter wave, thermal, chemical sniffers, micron wave,Radar/GPR, and the like. In addition, there may be more than one type ofsensor within the plurality of sensors 110. Moreover, sensors 110 may bepassive or active or may be user selectable. After determining thesensor types, I/O controller 145 can automatically develop a sensororganization strategy. In one embodiment, the sensor organizationstrategy includes developing a sensor hierarchy, establishing a sensorutilization strategy; and providing a sensor cascade provision for eachof the plurality of sensors.

In one embodiment, I/O controller 145 provides the sensor organizationinformation to each of the plurality of sensors 110. In addition,similar to the power configuration, I/O controller 145 may periodicallyquery each of the plurality of sensors to confirm the sensororganization strategy. For example, I/O controller 145 may need toautomatically update the sensor organization strategy as a sensor isadded to or removed from the plurality of sensors 110.

Referring now to 604 of FIG. 6 and to FIG. 1, one embodiment receiveselectronic signals from one or more of said plurality of sensors at apre-defined sample rate. In one embodiment, I/O controller 145 cancommunicate a sample rate adjustment to one or more of the plurality ofsensors 110.

In addition, I/O controller 145 can determine a sensor baselinecalibration “normal” from the electronic signals received from theplurality of sensors 110. In other words, since the sensors 110 includeautomatic calibration the electronic signal from the sensor will includea baseline for the calibration. However, if one of the sensors 110 has acalibration that is outside of the normal, I/O controller 145 canautomatically provide the baseline calibration information to the sensorthat is outside of the normal so that the sensor can adjust itscalibration baseline accordingly.

With reference now to 606 of FIG. 6 and to FIG. 1, one embodimentcombines the electronic signals into a single electronic signal. At 608of FIG. 6 and to FIG. 1, one embodiment provides the single electronicsignal over a single channel output to a sensor event assessor. In otherwords, I/O controller 145 receives the multi-channel output signals 115Aand 115B and combines them into a single channel 115 that is passed tosensor event assessor 150.

It should be further understood that the examples and embodimentspertaining to the systems and methods disclosed herein are not meant tolimit the possible implementations of the present technology. Further,although the subject matter has been described in a language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above.Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed asexample forms of implementing the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method for combiningsensor output from a plurality of sensors to a single channel of sensorinformation for a sensor event assessor, the method comprising:providing a multi-channel sensor input configuration to provide two-waycommunication with a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality ofsensors having its own channel; receiving electronic signals from one ormore of the plurality of sensors at a pre-defined sample rate, combiningthe electronic signals into a single electronic signal; and providingthe single electronic signal over a single channel output to a sensorevent assessor.